By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-21 21:38:14 | Updated at 2024-12-22 22:53:05
1 day ago
A major ruling has been made on the eve of Oleksandr Usyk's blockbuster heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury.
The Ukrainian enters his clash with the Gypsy King looking to defend his heavyweight crown at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Usyk became the first man ever to defeat Fury in a professional contest when the pair met over twelve rounds in May.
After a competitive opening, Usyk began to gain momentum in the later rounds and came close to stopping the Brit with a flurry of unanswered strikes in the ninth round that left Fury dazed.
Fury recovered from a standing count and showcased his incomparable toughness to reach the final bell, but found himself on the wrong side of the judges' decision.
Immediately following the instant classic, speculation online focused on Usyk's actions in his corner between rounds.
Oleksandr Usyk has been banned from engaging in his mid-fight ritual against Tyson Fury
Fans speculated on social media after footage showed the Ukrainian kissing a crucifix between rounds in their first clash
As a result Usyk will not be allowed to bring his cross into the ring during Saturday's rematch
Video that was widely circulated on social media showed the devout Christian kissing a cross on necklace as he received instructions from his corner.
Some speculated that Usyk had actually been using an inhaler, in violation of boxing rules.
As a result, Fury's team have successfully campaigned for the Ukrainian not to be allowed his cross inside the ring during the fight.
'After the fight there was a lot of speculation,' Frank Warren told Sky Sports.
'They weren't sure what it was. We just cut through it all.'
If Fury is able to get his revenge on Saturday night he will join an elite group of fighters to have won the heavyweight title on three separate occasions.
